8 JUNE2024IN FOCUSIN FOCUSVedanta Aluminium has launched Project Kalakriti, empowering women in Jharsugoda, Odisha, through traditional and modern art training. The initiative aims to foster sustainable livelihoods for women and offer them training in traditional arts and crafts. Women from over 21 Jharsugoda villages will receive training in different kinds of art forms, including Pattachitra paintings, Saura paintings, jute stitching, cane & bamboo art, terracotta craft, palm leaf paintings, Mandala art, and applique work.Project Kalakriti is a revenue model for women in Jharsugoda, providing them with a platform to sell their art and craft in the marketplace, enhancing their household income. The initiative includes training sessions and traditional art classes for young girls led by professional artists such as Vineeta Singraul. Vedanta Aluminium, a company committed to improving women's lives through the Subhalaxmi Co-operative, aims to nurture traditional art forms and ensure financial independence for women in the community.Vedanta Aluminium's COO, Sunil Gupta, highlighted the project's impact on women's livelihoods and community development. The project supports traditional art forms and financial independence, preserving local crafts at the grassroots level. The project spans over 70 villages and comprises 4,900 members. Sanju Ohnam, a trainee, expressed gratitude for Project Kalakriti, which has enabled her to support her family financially and inspire other women in her community to strive for independence. Indian peacekeeper, Major Radhika Sen is set to receive the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She served with the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). She was the Commander of MONUSCO's Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB). She actively engaged with conflict-affected communities, including women and girls, in an escalating conflict environment in North Kivu.Major Radhika Sen hails from Himachal Pradesh and is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this award, following Major Suman Gawani. She emphasized that gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everyone's responsibility and believes peace begins with all of us. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged her as a "true leader and role model." She completed her graduation as a biotech engineer and holds a Master's degree from IIT Bombay. She has been awarded for her leadership and dedication to peacekeeping efforts in the DRC. She believes that gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everyone's responsibility and that peace begins with embracing diversity. The award ceremony will take place on 30 May 2024.Expressing her gratitude, Major Radhika mentions, "This award is special to me as it gives recognition to the hard work put in by all the peacekeepers working in the challenging environment of DRC and giving their best to bring a positive change in the society. Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everybody's business - not just us, women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity." VEDANTA ALUMINIUM LAUNCHES PROJECT KALAKRITI FOR EMPOWERING WOMENINDIAN PEACEKEEPER MAJOR RADHIKA SEN TO RECEIVE UN MILITARY GENDER ADVOCATE AWARD
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